8 hit at Northwestern High, driver had learner’s permit

WASHINGTON – Eight students were taken to a hospital after being struck by a vehicle in a parking lot at a Hyattsville high school Thursday.

None of the injuries was life-threatening. A spokesman for the Prince George’s County Fire Department says the students were taken to area hospitals with minor injuries.

Prince George’s County Fire and Rescue says the accident happened around 6 p.m. Thursday in the parking lot of Northwestern High School. The driver, who only had a learner’s permit, faces charges.

Lt. Chris Purvis, spokesman for Hyattsville police, says a 19-year-old was driving a compact car in the parking lot behind the school when glare from the sun impaired his vision. The spokesman says the driver did not see students practicing ROTC formations in the parking lot and hit them.

The driver, a Mount Rainier resident, wasn’t speeding. He has been charged with multiple counts of negligent driving and failure to control his vehicle.

Since he only had a learner’s permit, the man was charged with driving without required supervision.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP on Twitter.